SCC signs ‘Got Your 6’ Pledge, supports student veterans

November 07, 2013

St. Charles Community College has signed a pledge to join the Education Pillar of Got Your 6 and support student veterans by implementing and enhancing resources, programs and policies to support this population.

Got Your 6 is a movement led by a consortium of major film and television studios, broadcast and cable television networks, talent agencies, and guilds that are united in changing the conversation in America with regards to veterans and military families. SCC is joining dozens of colleges and universities nationwide committed to heightening their support for current and future students who are also military veterans.

Leading the Got Your 6 Education Pillar: Transitioning Through Education efforts are the Pat Tillman Foundation, Student Veterans of America and Operation College Promise who are working collaboratively to collect pledges from 500 colleges and universities by June 2014.

“We signed the Got Your 6 pledge to make a public commitment to enhance and increase our services while continuing to provide a quality education for veterans,” said Tomi Schwandt, SCC coordinator of veteran benefits and scholarships and co-advisor of the SCC Student Veteran Organization.

“Working together, the Pat Tillman Foundation, Student Veterans of America and Operation College Promise have selected a leading group of institutions that will make the commitment to the Got Your 6 Education Pillar, including SCC,” said Chris Marvin, managing director of Got Your 6. “It is our mission to ensure many more colleges and universities will join us in pledging to support our veterans which will have a lasting and positive effect not only on campuses, but in communities all across the country.”

SCC’s Got Your 6 video was directed by Beth Finders, SCC interim dean of students and co-advisor of the SCC Student Veteran Organization, and produced by Ben Munson, SCC associate director of marketing and communications, with help from students, faculty, staff and administrators.

About Got Your 6Got Your 6 is a campaign designed to change the conversation in America such that veterans and military families are seen as civic assets and leaders who will reinvigorate our community. The campaign combines the reach and resources of the top American entertainment studios, networks, guilds and agencies with the expertise and commitment of more than two dozen nonprofit organizations. Through an extensive media footprint and a set of substantial service commitments, Got Your 6 will ensure successful reintegration of veterans into civilian life. For more information, visit www.gotyour6.org. ServiceNation is the organizing body and fiduciary agent for Got Your 6. The campaign is managed by Propper Daley.

About the Pat Tillman FoundationFamily and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat’s legacy and pay tribute to his commitment to leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing educational support and resources to veterans, active service members and their spouses. Inspired by Pat’s attributes of leadership, passion for education and spirit of service, the Foundation annually awards educational scholarships through the Tillman Military Scholars program. Since the Foundation’s inception, more than $5 million in educational support has been invested in individuals committed to a life of service both in and out of uniform, including more than $3.2 million awarded to 230 Tillman Military Scholars nationwide. For more information, visit www.pattillmanfoundation.org.

About Student Veterans of AmericaStudent Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit coalition of student veteran organizations on more than 550 college campuses globally. Each chapter, run by and for student veterans, provides a critical peer-support network that has been linked to improved academic success. The local chapter is essential to accomplishing SVA’s mission, which is to provide military veterans with the resources, support and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.

About Operation College PromiseOperation College Promise (OCP)is a national policy, research and education program based in Trenton, New Jersey, which supports the transition and postsecondary advancement of our nation’s veterans. The program’s mission is to support student veterans “To, Through and Beyond” the attainment of their higher education objectives. Founded in 2008 as a Web-based resource, the project was initiated by the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities (NJASCU) to centralize transition information for service members on a comprehensive website. Today, the program has reached more than 300 institutions in 25 states through its signature training – the Certificate for Veterans’ Service Providers (CVSP) program and is a national leader in research efforts on student veterans’ progress toward degree and employment, as well as in the development of innovative degree plans for military students. For more information, visit: www.OperationCollegePromise.com.

About St. Charles Community CollegeSt. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.